Pubdate: Fri, 16 Jun 2006
Source: Connection, The (CN ON)
Copyright: 2006 The Connection
Contact:  http://www.simcoe.com/sc/collingwood/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2222
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmjcn.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal - Canada)

POT WAS FOR MEDICINAL USE, GROWER SAYS HE'LL SEEK LICENCE

A 56-year-old Wasaga Beach man was fined $1,500 with a 10-year 
weapons ban for having a marijuana grow operation on what his lawyers 
say was medical grounds.

John Peterson pled guilty as charged, Tuesday.

Federal prosecutor Cecile Applegate told the court that on Dec. 18, 
2005 a Huronia West OPP officer was dispatched on an alarm call to 
the Spruce Street home of the defendant.

Police found the rear door forced open, called in the canine unit, 
and combed the building for suspects, read the Crown. Inside the home 
were more than 70 cannabis plants in a container with soil, along 
with related "drug paraphernalia."

Defence lawyer Brian Greasley said his client "suffers chronic 
articular pain, and has produced marijuana which controls headaches 
and increases the appetite."

The lawyer added Peterson has used the narcotic "for many years", and 
is now applying for a licence to produce it for his own consumption.

Mr. Justice C.M. Harpur found Peterson's prior drug record - although 
16 years old - was not helpful in the case, and warned the accused 
that a further drug-related offence would end in jail.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman